Thanksgiving Photo Shoot

The Rhythm of Life

When I was growing up, we spent hours playing down at the creek behind our house. So it seems only natural--almost rite of passage--to watch our kids having fun doing the same thing. And I guess it's yet another reminder that we spend way too much money at Target on toys.

Gobble, Gobble!

Our Thanksgiving Day started off as any Thanksgiving should--with beautiful weather, a Gozillion-lb turkey cooked by Nanny, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, baseball with Daddy, and a walk with Ruby.

As if all this wasn't great enough, the day took a turn for the magnificent when our buddies showed up to join us! For this, we thank Miss Allie's new territory alignment and horrendous travel schedule, which rendered the Pauls sufficiently travel-weary to tackle a 9-hour trip to Pittsburgh.

Both sets of BFFs were delighted to be with their counterparts, as evidenced by the hand-holding and groping.

Here the tiniest of our party--Lucy and Ruby--played a little pool together.

Nanny wisely sat the preschool contingent away from the adults, who enjoyed the 27-course meal in peace. Note the contrast in Hunter's plate, covered in gravy and melted cheese, and Jackie's, which had a roll and some white rice.

Leigh was happy sitting next to her beloved Michael.

Lucy, apparently devoid of the MessiPaul food allergies, thoroughly enjoyed Nanny's green (AKA pesto) spaghetti.

Good-looking Trent joined us later for dinner...

...while Blake kept Hunter busy with some good wrestling maneuvers.

We say this every year, but this time we really do think this was the Best Thanksgiving Ever!

Thanksgiving Eve

On Thanksgiving Eve, we had a bash at Uncle Billy's and Aunt Susie's outdoor party house. As usual, Leigh was All About Michael...

while Chad was all about torturing Bennett.

The big event of the night was steaming oysters, a first for Hunter. And much to our surprise, he loved them! He ended up eating 8 of the slimy ones before the night was over.

We Gather Together

It's entirely possible that I overdid the Thanksgiving decorations this year...

Early Morning with Daddy

This weekend, Hunter and Daddy struck out together at the Crack of Dawn on a special mission...

...to spread corn in Halifax County. Clearly, it doesn't get any better than this!

Nanny-Style Breakfast

No wonder Leigh loves being at Nanny's more than anywhere else in the world. Where else can you have steak and Perrier for breakfast?

Harvest Hoedown

One of the latest special events at Hunter's school was the Harvest Hoedown, which prompted a trip to the Western Wear store and a special square dance with Daddy.